💥 BREAKING NEWS: The Guardians are fielding trade interest in Steven Kwan, sparking a fierce debate over whether they’d ever move a player this essential ⚡.NL
Steven Kwan Drawing League-Wide Interest, But Guardians Appear Set to Hold – For Now
As the MLB offseason rolls on, the Cleveland Guardians find themselves at the center of trade chatter – and one name keeps surfacing more than most: Steven Kwan. The 28-year-old left fielder, known for his elite contact skills and rock-solid defense, is drawing serious attention from teams across the league. And according to recent reports, that interest isn’t just smoke – it’s been burning since the last trade deadline.
Former All-Star Jason Kipnis recently sat down with longtime Cleveland beat writer Paul Hoynes on the show Foul Territory, where the conversation turned to Kwan. Hoynes didn’t mince words: teams have been calling. A lot.
“I guess the big name out there is Steven Kwan,” Hoynes said. “That’s the name they’re getting a lot of calls on. Teams came after him at the deadline last season, and this winter, it’s been the same story.”
And it’s easy to see why. Kwan may not be a headline-grabbing slugger, but he’s the kind of player every contender wants on their roster.
He posted a .272 average last season, chipped in 11 home runs and 56 RBIs, and remained one of the toughest outs in the American League. Add in two more years of team control and a Gold Glove-caliber glove in left field, and you’ve got a player whose value goes well beyond the box score.
Still, despite the interest, Hoynes believes the Guardians aren’t ready to move on – at least not yet. “I get the impression that he’s going to be the Opening Day left fielder for Cleveland on March 26,” he said.
That’s a key detail. The Guardians, a team that often has to balance performance with payroll, are no strangers to difficult decisions.
And with Kwan only under team control for two more seasons – and no extension in place – the clock is ticking. If Cleveland doesn’t lock him up long term, the trade rumors won’t just stick around – they’ll only get louder.
The Guardians don’t want to sign a free agent to a two/three-year deal because it would block the development of younger players, says @Hoynsie.
“They’ll add a hitter at some point, but I don’t think it’s gonna be a high-profile guy, or maybe even a mid-level guy.” pic.twitter.com/PMzUAS9FBv
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) December 18, 2025
“Depending on how the season goes,” Hoynes added, “there could be more activity at the deadline.”
That’s the reality of the Guardians’ situation. Kwan is the kind of player who fits seamlessly into any lineup – disciplined at the plate, fundamentally sound in the field, and a tone-setter at the top of the order. But Cleveland also has a history of moving players before they hit free agency, especially if an extension isn’t on the table.
For now, though, the Guardians seem content to hold onto their left field anchor. He’s expected to be out there on Opening Day, patrolling the grass and setting the table like he always does. But come July, if Cleveland’s season isn’t trending in the right direction – or if a contender comes calling with the right offer – things could shift quickly.
Kwan’s name is going to keep coming up. That’s what happens when you’re a high-value player on a team with tough choices to make. The Guardians are listening, but for now, they’re holding firm.
